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Education
IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals – PortAventura World
In-Person
Event Details
Looking to advance your career in the global attractions industry? The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals (IAP) is the premier development program designed for those with up to five years’ experience in museums, aquariums, zoos, theme parks, family entertainment centers, and more. Join us a weekend before IAAPA Expo Europe in Barcelona for an intensive two-day program that will equip you with cutting-edge industry knowledge and practical management skills.
The Format
The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals is an educational program designed to equip emerging industry leaders with the skills, knowledge, and network to succeed in the global attractions field. It covers key topics such as operations, finance, marketing, and leadership, ensuring participants gain practical insights tailored to parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, and other leisure facilities. Through workshops, expert-led sessions, and valuable networking opportunities, attendees leave ready to drive innovation and excellence in their organisations.
What is Included
- Registration for IAAPA Institute for Attractions Professionals Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September
- Face-to-faceessions led by industry experts and subject-matter specialists
- Interactive Projects & Group Work to build practical skills
- Supplemental Online Resources for deeper learning before and after the event
- Printed Course Book to support learning activities
- Networking Lunch on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September
- EDUTour: PortAventura World on Monday, 22 September
- Transportation via coach to Grand Fira Barcelona after EDUTour on Monday, 22 September
- Access to IAAPA Expo Europe Trade Show Floor and Education Conference
- Certificate of Completion and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for IAAPA certification upon finishing
Group Discount: For every three attendees from one organisation, the fourth attends free!
Faculty
Industry experts from Europa-Park, Swarovski Kristallwelten, Pleasure Beach Resort, Qiddiya, and the hospitality sector will lead the modules, sharing valuable insights and real-world case studies from their own experience.
Who Should Attend?
- Individuals with up to five years in attractions.
- Students or new professionals exploring a career in the industry.
- Those who want a comprehensive foundation in the essential operational areas needed to run various types of attractions.
What You’ll Learn
- Finance & IT Essentials: Financial metrics, budgeting, cybersecurity basics
- Marketing, PR & Sales: Integrated marketing plans, social media strategy, brand purpose
- Human Resources: Effective recruiting, onboarding, team leadership, DEI
- Facility Operations: Building a service culture, risk assessment, safety management
- Revenue Operations: Food & beverage best practices, games, merchandise
- Entertainment: Production costs, immersive experiences, designing shows for all audiences
Why Attend?
- Gain globally recognised training aligned with IAAPA’s Common Body of Knowledge
- Network with peers and connect with industry leaders from around the world
- Walk away with practical strategies to implement at your attraction
Accommodation
IAAPA have secured a special rate on accommodation at Hotel Gold River in PortAventura from Friday 19th September to Monday 22nd September. Details can be found after the Agenda section.
Contact
For registration details or any additional questions, please contact Tom Van Liefferinge at [email protected], +32 485863652.
Ticket Required
Region:
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Event Time: All Day Europe/Madrid
Venue: In-Person
Location: PortAventura World, Spain
Address:
PortAventura World
Salou
43840 Tarragona
Spain
Session Type: Education
| PRICING | Member | Nonmember |
|---|---|---|
Registration Fee | 699.00 | 1165.00 |
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +32 485863652
Faculty
AGENDA
Saturday | September 20
-
Registration Open
-
Welcome Plenary Session (attendance mandatory)
-
Trends in the Entertainment Industry
-
Finance
-
Break
-
Entertainment 1
-
Lunch
-
Entertainment 2
-
Break
-
Games & Merchandise
-
Break
-
Food & Beverage
End of Day 1
Sunday | September 21
-
Registration Open
-
Summary of Day 1 in Plenary
-
Marketing 1
-
Break
-
Marketing 2
-
Short Break / Transition
-
Lunch
-
Facility Operations 1 & 2
-
Break
-
Human Resources 1
-
Break
-
Human Resources 2
-
Break
-
Information Technology (IT)
End of Day 2
Accommodation
Expand allAccommodation at Hotel Gold River in PortAventura can be booked at a special rate from Friday 19th September to Monday 22nd September.
All prices are per night and include bed and breakfast.
To book accommodation, please email [email protected]
| Hotel Gold River - 19th to 22nd September | |
| Double Room Single Occupancy | € 153,00 |
| Twin Room | € 173,00 |
| Hotel Gold River - Callahan's Bulding (Superior) 19th to 22nd September | |
| Double Room Single Occupancy | € 158,00 |
| Twin Room | € 178,00 |
See What Our Members Are Saying
Discover how IAAPA membership has positively impacted businesses across the attractions industry
From the M&S side I love the app and its come so far in recent years. No matter if you are on the M&S side or park side be sure down download and spend some time in the app before the show. There are people and companies in the building next week at IAAPA Expo who you want to meet with but don’t even know they are attending - the app is your answer!
Jamie Flaherty, ICAEVP, Business Development and Marketing | Netserv Applications
We’ve really enjoyed working with the Connect+ platform over the past few shows. It’s been a game-changer in helping us connect with attendees more efficiently and keep track of meaningful conversations throughout the event. The interface is intuitive, and the personal training session helped our team feel confident using all the features right away.
Brett BeadleDigital Marketing Specialist | Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc.
Connect+ is a great tool that I can use to prepare and participate in IAAPA events. Being able to see the attendee list allows me to strategize what conversations and meetings I want to have ahead of time, and I can connect with those people directly in the app. It also keeps me organized during an event. Each day will have a full schedule, and if I turn on push notifications, it will let me know what event is coming up and where it is so I can stay on track.
Megan GannonBusiness Development Manager | Themed Entertainment
IAAPA Expo is always a whirlwind, but IAAPA Connect+ kept me organized and focused. Before the show, I was able to map out my entire experience, from scheduling meetings to bookmarking EDUSessions and booths I wanted to visit on the show floor. During the event, I just pulled out my phone and the app guided me through my schedule, ensuring I didn't miss a thing. It was like having a personal assistant dedicated to making my expo experience a success. I felt more organized, more connected, and more confident than ever before. I can't imagine attending another IAAPA Expo without it!
Cassidy NewmanManaging Director | Carousel Communications
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